What’s the fuss about Toys? Babies and Kids play with the randomest objects,alla? As parents we pamper them by giving them store bought toys and goodies to eat, nonetheless. Plastic Toys are cheaper,are easily available in the markets and most importantly,are largely Made in China.
Isn’t it time Already? #VocalforLocal is the need of the hour and rightfully so. There are umpteen Indian brands that cater to kids of different interests. Wooden and cloth upcycled toys are readily available now. They may not be accessible to all and sundry like the plastic ones, but shan’t we make some efforts? For the sake of our Nation, for the sake of our artisans, for the sake of our economy, for the sake of our children’s future ? Let us not add to Landfills as much as possible.
What is the main purpose of toys? It for developing Cognition, enhancing creativity, improving motor skills, etc. So must play be restricted to Toys only? Definitely not and that’s not practical either. Babies and Toddlers love exploring, so their toys are not limited to the store bought ones, it extends to family members, pets, other animals vessels(special mention to spoons), cardboard boxes,dirt, stones,leaves and everything else they stumble upon.
I let Rutu play everywhere she desired. She was under constant watch ofcourse.
Toys are necessary. They are companions, they’re memories of childhood,they are absolutely needed for various activities of role play as they grow. Where should you buy them? From trusted vendors, from people that are genuine artisans, from retailers that cater to kids’ entertainment in every possible way. It is easy to choose toys when you’re sorted about what you want them to learn. We got Rutu loads of Animal toys, wooden rattles and stacking toys.
That doll on the right is a gift from a friend from Australia. What’s so special about it? it has different textures and its ears make rustling sounds upon rubbing; great for sensory perception.
The Indian Toys Market has an array of playful, vibrant, and engaging things. The adults won’t get bored, for sure(Very important thing). You cannot expect a child to play on its own all the time. They need human companions. I’m glad that there are brands who are offering to all but the focus is on little ones.
But its not easy. It never is. Toddlers are intelligent but they cannot understand the layers or the depth of a toy. They may use it in versatile ways because primarily they have no preconceived notions about them. You have to guide them; from simpler toys to complex ones. I am in the simple zone currently.
Sometimes little ones refuse to play with toys, I stack them up or line them to the wall or place them in a inviting manner so it catches her interest. I have invested, mostly, in toys that can last long, have no toxic chemicals painted on them and on those that won’t cause any choking hazards.
I have two storage baskets; one to store her toys and another to store hwr books. Whole day the house looks ransacked but by the time she sleeps at night, we clean it up real good and that’s because the storage baskets are great for holding all of her things together. She’s not fond of the Barbie and it was a gift from someone for her Ayush Homa. I, personally would never buy her that.
We got her this second hand playmat when she was two or three months old. It is great for tummy time and to play rattles and stuffed animals that hang from the playmat’s dome. This picture was taken when we had taken her to Lal Bagh. It was a family picnic.
A sustainable brand called IseeLila sent her these upcycled toys. She is still too young to play with them. It is amazing prop for marking their milestones memorable or for cute memes. Instead of buying too many things at once, I have been collecting toys for her slowly so that it is not heavy on the pocket. Variety of Toys is necessary because you never know what they want to play with. Their moods are unpredictable.
Nothing beats the thrill of being outdoors and exploring things that are not meant for them. They’re notorious like that, alwa?
We had been to Chennapatna in February and we got her this rocking horse for 500 rupees. I felt that was a good price for countless memories and fun. Extremely important is the little ones enjoy their time with their family and loved ones. I shall update as she grows and add more to her toy collection.
bengaloorurani 